FAA Ground School Practice Test

What does an activated ELT signal to rescuers?

1. The exact location of the aircraft

2. A general area of distress

3. The pilot's intent to abandon the flight

4. Emergency medical support required

The correct answer is: The exact location of the aircraft

An activated Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signals to rescuers a general area of distress. When an ELT is activated, it transmits a distress signal, which is picked up by search and rescue assets. However, the signal does not provide the exact location of the aircraft; it conveys information that an emergency situation exists, prompting search efforts in the vicinity. While the ELT's signal can help to narrow the search area, it primarily indicates that there is a potential need for rescue operations. The location must still be triangulated using additional resources, such as aircraft or satellites that can receive the signal and help determine the distress area more accurately. Therefore, the function of an ELT is to alert rescuers to the fact that they should commence searching in a particular area, rather than providing precise coordinates of a downed aircraft.